Spring assembling machine



sept. 29, 1942. J. A. sAvAl.

4 SPRING ASSEMBLING MACHIN Filed' sept. 27. 194s 7 Sheets-Sheet l Sept-29, 1942 J. A. sAvAL l SPRING AssEMBLING' MACHINE Filed Sept. 27, 1940 7Sheets-Sheet 2 SP- 29 1,942 J. A. sAvAl. 2,296,878

SPRING ASSEMBLING MACHINE Filed Sept. 27, 1940 7 Sheets-Sheet 3 SePt-29, 1942 J. A. sAvAl. 2,296,878

SPRING ASSEMBLING MACHINE J. A. sAvAL SPRING AS'SEMBLING MACHINE Sept.29, 1942.

Filed Sept. 27, 1940 7 Sheets-Sheet 6 2 I i 29 j j 5W i 2a# l v l ,l A A225 m, i@ fw/@Mi W Y Sept 29, 1942. J. A. sAvAL 2,296,878v

SPRING ASSEMBLING MACHINE v Filed sept. 27, 1940 v sheets-sheet '7'Patented Sept. 29, 1942 Joseph A. Saval, Jamaica, N. Y., assignor toJoseph Aronauer, Inc., New York, N. Y., a corporation of New YorkApplication September 27, 1940, Serial No. 358,720

38 Claims.

The present invention relates to'a machine for the assembly of spiralspring members.

More particularly,l the present inventionrelates to a machine for theassembly and tying together of a plurality of rows of spiral springmembers into a complete spring assembly capable of use in mattresses,cushions, and similar articles.

Although it has been proposed in the vpast to provide various types ofassembly machines for the fabrication oi spring assemblies of thecharacter described, machines of this type were subject to manyydiiiiculties. Thus in machines of the character previously known in theart, it was necessary to move the various springs in the assembly intoand out of chucks or jaws in order to permit their support andpositioning during the tying operation. Naturally, this meant theendless accurate positioning of springs relative to stationary jaws, andthe removal of these springs from these jaws necessitated the employmentof complex spring ejecting mechanisms which interfered with the smoothoperation of the machine.

One of the objects of the present invention, therefore, is to provide aspring assembly machine wherein a plurality of springs arevmoved' in acontinuous manner along a conveyor while being assembled.

Still another object of the present invention is to provide a springassembling machine wherein a plurality of rows 'of spiral springs areheld with portions in adjacent rows in close proximity prior to theirlinking together by a helical type of tie member.`

Still another object of `the present invention is to provide acontinuous machine for the fabrication of spring assembles wherein thecompleted spring is easily stripped from the machine as it is beingmade.

The fourth object of the present invention is to provide a springassembling machine capable of precise movement for. certain deiiniteperiods and arrested movement during other periods to permit thethreading of a helical tie member `45 Fig 10 is a plan View -of theupper .portion of through the rows of springs carried by the machine.

The fifth object ofthe present invention is to provide clamping jawscapable of holding together adjacent portions of springs in succeedingrows prior to .the movement of the helical tie member thereabout. Thesixth object of the present invention is to providecoordinating-mechanism for the various 55 holding plates taken on theline I2-I2 of Fig;

parts of the machinev adapted to time the move- (ci. 14o-a) ments of theconveyor, spring clamping mechlanism and helical tie mechanism one withthe other during the assembling of the spring structure.

A seventh object of the present invention is to provide a guidingmechanism for a plurality of helical tie members so as to simultaneouslyenable tying movement of thetie members about the upper and lowerportions of spiral springs while positioned on the moving conveyor meml5machine.

Other objects of the present invention will be apparent from thesubsequent description and `drawings wherein:

Fig. 1 is a top plan view of the machine showing the positioning of thespiral springs therein;

Fig. 2 is a vertical section taken on the line 2-2 of Fig. 3; Fig. 3 isa vertical longitudinal section of the machine taken approximately alongthe line 3-3 of Fig. 2, but Aincluding the lower portion of the machine;

Fig. 4 is a front elevation of a machine lookingy towards the left ascompared to Figs. 1 and 2;

Fig. 5 is an enlarged longitudinal vertical section of a portion of themachine taken on. the

line 5-5 of Fig.v 2, illustrating the spring holding plates and thespring grasping jaw mechanism;

Fig.'6 is a view similar to Fig. 5, but showing .35 the spring graspingjaws in open position and retracted;

Fig. rl is a vertical section taken on the line 1-1 of Fig. 6; Fig. 8 isa detail section taken on the line 8-8 40 of Fig. 3, illustrating thesupporting means for the conveyor;

Fig. 9 is a horizontal section on-the line l9--9 of f Fig. 3,illustrating the intermittent drive mechanism of the conveyor; 1

, adjacent spiral springs 1 showing the clamping jaws and helical guidesfor `the upper portions in section;

Fig. 11 is a plan view of a portion of the machine with the clampingjaws and helical guides for the lower portions of the spiral springsshown partly in section;

Fig. 12 is a detail section of the spiral spring tain of the operatingcams and the elements operated thereby;

Fig. 17 is a diagrammatic showing illustrating the periods of operationof the various elements of the machine;

Fig. 18 is a detail of a modified upper jaw member and guide providedwith spiral grooves; Fig. 19 is a detail illustrating the operation ofthe present machine with oifset spiral springs;

Fig. 20 is a detail of a novel form of a helix coiling device.

Referring to Figs. 1 and 8 of the drawings, i

there is here illustrated a conveyor mechanism for the assembly ofspiral springs provided with a frame I0 and a conveyor indicated ingeneral at I I which is suitably supported on the frame I0. 'I'heconveyorconsists of a plurality of transversely extending rows of platesI2 which are carried and suitably supported by a conveyor chain I3, asshown in detail in Fig. 8. Each of the plates I2 is also supported byrollers I4 suitably journaled on a bracket I5, which may be welded orotherwise suitably aixed to the bottom of the plates I2. 'I'he roller I4is in turn supported by a channel member I6, immovably fixed on theframe I0 of the machine as by a plurality of bars I'I.

As shown particularly in Fig. 3, the conveyor chain is supported at itsupper rearward portion by the wheel I8.; at its lower rearward portionby the rotatable wheel I9; and at its upward forward portion by therotatable wheel 20. The chain is driven by a relatively large sprocketWheel 2| located at the lower forward portion of the machine. Each ofthe wheels previously described, it is to be understood, is suitablysupported from the stationary frame I0. A sup-` port of this characteris shown by way of example in Fig. 8, wherein a bracket 22 is providedwith a pair of journals 23 and 24 which are adapted to rotatably supportthe shaft 25 for the wheel I8. It is to be understood that the Wheels I9and 20 are similarly carried by -brackets extending from the frame I0,andthat each side of the machine is provided with a similar chainsupported in a similar manner for respectively supporting a side of thetransversely extending plates I2. Each of the plates I2 is providedadjacent a succeeding plate with a plurality of spaced upwardlyextending guide portions 26. Each of the guide portions 26 is providedwith a semi-circular grooved portion 21, and the two 'correspondinggrooved portions cooperate to form a circular bore, as indicated at 28in Fig. 13. This bore 28 is normally kept closed, but is open when theconveyor plates carrying the particular portions 26 pass over the wheel20, as shown in Fig. 3. The position of the plates when the bore 28 iscompletely closed, as shown in Fig. 13, and the position of the plateswith the guide bore open is shown in Fig. 14. 'I'he bore in closedposition forms a guide for a lower helix, indicated at 29, as will behereinafter explained. The

11, and showing one of the spring retaining mem- Ithe springs, theynevertheless leave a space for the passage of the helical tie member 29.Still ,referring to Fig. 11, it will also be noted that the jaws of theraised guide members 26 are cut away to correspond to the circumferenceof the springs 35 and 36. The shoulders thus formed, and indicated asfor example at 31 and 38, help position the bottom of the spiral springin alinement with the bore 28 so that when the tying helix 29 is fedinto the machine, it will be automatically positioned in alinement withthe proximate portions of the spiral springs. Means are .also providedto temporarily locate the spiral springs and maintain them in positionon the Yplates I2` prior to the clamping action of the jaws 33 and 34.Such a means may consist of a plurality of spring fingers. Two of thesespring ngers are shown in Fig. 11 as grasping the lowermost coil of thespring 35, and are indicated at 39 and 4I). A detail of a spring fingeris shown in Fig. 12. Referring to this figure, it will be noted that thetip of the spring is bent back on itself as at 39 to facilitate thepositioning of the spring between the spring nger 40 and the springfinger 39. It will be also noted that one end of the spring finger issuitably fastened to a plate l2 as by a rivet-42. T'he machine is alsoprovided with grasping jaws and helical guide portions for the upperportions of the spiral springs. 'Ihus referring to Fig. 3, it will benoted that the upper jaws also include grasping members 43 and 44. Thesemembers are shown in detail in Fig. 10.

Formed integral withv the jaw members, and normally positioned to oneside of the jaw members, is a pair of guiding members 45 and 46. When inclosed position the jaw members 43 and 44 grasp the upper portions ofthe spiral springs 35 and 36, and the guiding members 45 and 46cooperate with one another to form a circular bore indicated at 4l,which is adapted to guide and they are also movable toward and away fromthe conveyor proper in after set forth in detail.

The plates I2 are also provided with a series of positioning pegs 49, asshown in Fig. 1. The purpose of these positioning pegs is to enableworkmen to easily and quickly assemble the spiral springs which areindicated collectively in Fig. 1 at S with the plates I 2. As shown inFig. 3, however, two of the series of plates indicated by the referencenumerals 50 and 5I are not equipped with pegs. This is to enable theworkmen to be advised of the fact that a single spring assembly has beennished. Thus the device. as shown in a manner to be herein- Fig. 3, isprovided with 38 plates, of which two i plates are blank plates. When,therefore, eighteen spring units have been supplied to the machine andassembled, a blank plate will pass in front of the workmen and no spiralspring will 5 be mounted on this plate. inasmuch as the ccn-4 ventionalmattress consists of eighteen' s uccessive spiral springs in alongitudinal direction, the machineas shown is adapted to assemble theordinary spring mattress. Obviously, where the general rectangularshape, as seen in LFigs. 5

machine is used for the assembly of larger mattresses or mattresseshaving larger numbers of springs in a longitudinal directio ,the numberof conventional plate members |2vbetween the blank plates 58 and 5| maybe increased. If,von the l5 other hand, the machine is manufacturingspring units for spring cushions and the like which consist of arelatively small number of spiral springs tied together, a greaterntunber of blank plates 50 and 5| may be provided so as to separate-the20 units after any desired number of the spiral 'springs have been tiedtogether.

In order to facilitate the conversion of the machine for the manufactureof any particular type of spring coil unit, it is desirable to make thepegs 41 removable from the plates |2. AThis may be effected in anyconventional manner, as by mounting the pegs on the plates by means ofordinary machine screws (not shown).

Referring to Figs. 5 and 6, there is here shown 30 in detail theclamping jaws for the ripper and lowerends of the approximate portionsof spiral springs in successive rows. The jaws in Fig. 5 are shown inposition about the approximate portions of the spiral'springs 35 and 36,while 35 in Fig. 6 the clamping jaws are shown in `retracted position,or, in other words, in their remote positionl relative to the conveyor.As before stated, the upper jaws consist of a pair of clamping members43 and 44, while`the lower 40 jaws' consist of a pair of clampingmembers 33 and 34. As shown in Figs. 5 and 6, the jaw 33 is formed withan arcuate portion 52 and the jaw 34 is formed with a correspondingarcuate portion 53, so that the jaws are clamped about 45v theapproximate portions ofthe springs and 36, the two arcuate portions willcombine to form a circular bore in alinement with the bore 28 of thelower guide members, as may be seen from Fig. 5, although in this figurethe jaws 33 and 50 34 are still in open position. Similarly, the jaws 43and 44 are provided with yarcuate portions 53a and 54 which are alsoadopted to produce a circular bore when closed, although as previouslydescribed, the jaws 43 and 44 are formed in'- 55 tegral with movableguide portions and 46, and consequently when the jaws 43 and 44 areclosed, they will be alined with the guide bore 41, as shownparticularly in Fig. 10.

The jaws 43 and 44 are formed at the lower 60' end of a pair of leversindicated in general at 55 and 56, respectively. Each of these levers 55and 56 `are provided with a tail portion 51 and 58, respectively. Thelevers are coaxially pivoted to form a composite clamping structure onthetransversely extending shaft 59 which extends the entire width ofthevmachine. The ends of the shaft are carried in suitable-cross headsin Figs. 5 and 6. Cne of the'side cross heads is shown and indicatedbythe reference numeral 68. As shown in these flgures, the cross head 68which carries the shaft 59 is mounted for sliding movement within aguide rnembe- 6|.

Referring particularly toFig. 1, in thisconand 6. The cam 66 is showninoperative position in Fig. 15 where the jaws 43 and 44 are, 'shown inclosed position and clamping the approximate portions of the springstogether.

Referring to Fig. 4, it will be noted that the y end of the cam member`66 projects through a slot 61 in the frame I8 and carries on itsexterior end an L-shaped lever 68 which is rmly mounted onthe cam member66 as by a nut 69. One leg of the L-shaped lever 68 bears against anactuating roller 18 which is adapted to be actuated by a suitable cam,as will be hereinafter described, While the other end of the L- shapedlever 68 pivotally carries a tie bar 1|, which is adapted to actuate thecam member 12 for the lower jaws 33 and 34. As shown in Fig.

4, the'tie bar 1| is formed with a slot 13 at its lower end which isadapted to cooperate with a pin 14v carried-on the lever 15. The lever15 is firmly fixed on the end of the actuating bar 12, as by a nut 16.Turning movement ofthe L-shaped lever 68 will, therefore, impart asimilar turningA movement to the lever 15, and

both of the cam members 66 and 12 will move in unison to open and/orclose the Vjaws 33-34 and 943-44. The bar 1| also carries a laterallyextending arm 11, which carries a roller 18 at its outer end for apurpose to be hereinafter described. Referring to the lower clamping jawassembly, it will be noted that each of the jaws 33 and 34 forms theupper .portion of levers 19 and 88, respectively, and that each of theselevers is -pivoted at 8| toa cross head 82 which is slidably mountedwithin opposed channels formed by the wings 83 and 84 which are entirelysimi lar in shape and functionto the wings 62 and 63 of the upper jawassembly.` Further, veach of the lever arms 19 and 88 is provided withlcgail portions 85 and 86, respectively, .which are adapted vtocooperate with the cam member 12 to. open and close the jaws proper..The lower jaws 33 and 34 are adapted to be vmaintained in open positionby a spring 81, mounted about a pin 88, carried by the tail 86 aridpassing loosely through the tail 85. As shown particularly in Figs. 5and 6, the springl 81 bears against the tail 85 at one end and against ahead 89 at its other end to bias the lever tails 85 and 86 towards oneanother, and consequently 4bias the jaws 33 and 34 toward open position.The upper fjaw assemblies are similarly provided with a 93 fastened tothe vframe I8 at 94, and to the cross head at 95. The cross heads 82 and68 with their accompanying jaws and other mechanism. are moved towardand away from the conveyor plates proper, i. e. from the positionshownjin Fig. 5v to that shown in Fig. 6 and vice versa, by

nection, it will be noted that the guide member a pair of levers 96 and81. The leverl 96 operates the cross head 82 through the cooperation ofa slot 98 in the lever 96 and a pin 99 which is carried by the crosshead 82. The lever 91 is formed with a similar slot |00, cooperatingwith a pin I I on the cross head `|50. The levers 96 and 91 are pivotedon the frame I0 by means of the hubs |02 and |03, respectively, and theleft hand ends of the levers 96 and 91, as shown in Fig. 6, are providedwith rollers |04 and |05 which are adapted to cooperate with the cams|06 and |01, respectively.

As shown in Fig. 6, the cams |06 and |01 are provided with cut-awayportions |08 and |09, and when the rollers |04 and |05 cooperate withthese cut-away portions, the corresponding levers 96 and 91 are rotatedon their respective hubs into retracted position, as shown in Fig. 6.Conversely, when theJ rollers |04 and |05 cooperate with the highportions of the cams |06 and |01, the levers 96 and 91 are turned abouttheir pivots to move the jaw assembly toward the conveyor surface andinto the operative position shown in Fig. 15. The cams |06 and |01 arepivoted on shafts |I0 and III`, respectively, and as shown in Fig. 1,two such cams are provided at each end of the machine, the upper cam |09being complemented by an additional cam I|2 at the left hand side of themachine. It is to be understood that the cam |06 is also similarlyprovided with a complementary cam at the lower left hand portion of themachine which is not shown. As shown in Fig. 2, a set of jaws for eachspring toy be assembled is provided, and it is to be understood that allof these jaws are` simultaneously operated since they are mounted sideby side on the shafts 59 and 8|, and positioned for actuationsimultaneouslyby the cam members 66 and 12. For the sake of stability,however, each side of the machine is provided with actuating cams suchas the cam II2, and with a complementary cross head such as the crosshead 3 shown in Fig. 1, which has a' similar function to the cross head60 and is similarly journaled within a guide ||4. It is to be understoodthat a similar driving mechanism for the cams and the various elementsthus far described is provided and will be'hereinafter described indetail.

As shown in Fig. 6, the shaft also carries a cam |I5 provided with aprojection II6. 'Ihis cam is adapted to operate the helical tie membercutting mechanism. The cutting mechanism includes a roller l1 carried bya lever |I8, pivoted on the frame I0 as by a hub I I9. The right handend of the lever II8, as shown in Fig. 6, is provided With a slot |20adapted to receive a pin |2| fixed on the knife |22. The knife |22 isslidably mounted within the guide |23. The knife |22 is movable by meansof the pin |20 upwardly and downwardly within the guide |23 and. as

l shown in Fig. 6, is provided with cutting openings |24 and |25 for theupper and lower helical tie member respectively. Movement of the lever||8 in a counterclockwise direction by the projection I|6 will,therefore, move the knife |22 upwardly and the lower edges of theopenings |24 and |25 will cooperate with a block |26 to cut the helicaltie members 29 and 48. A section of the knife |22, showing the openings|24 and |25 is shown/V in detail in Fig. '1, as is also the block |26.It is to be understoodl that the lever I I8 is normally kept in anextreme clockwise position by the spring |21 which is formed with a hookat each of its ends adapted to enter the opening |28 in the frame |0 andthe opening I 29 in the lever I8. i

Referring to Figs. 4 and 6, it will be noted that the lever ||8l isprovided with an end |30 which projects beyond the periphery of themachine and around the-tie bar 1I. During the upward movement of theknife, this portion of the lever contacts the roller 18, and thus servesto positively return the jaws 33 and 34 and 43 and 44 to open position,thus augmenting the action of the springs 81 and 90, and 'positivelypreventing the engagement of the spiral springs and. helical tie membersby the jaws when they are moved to retracted position.

Referring once again to Fig. 4, it will be noted that the above positivereturning action is necessary because of the one way arrangement for theactuation of the turning cams 66 and 12. Thus the L-shaped lever 68 isrotated in a counterclockwise direction by the roller 10 carried by thepush rod I3| which is journaled for reciprocating motion between theguide member |32 and |33 carried by the frame I0. The push rod I3II isprovided at the end remote from the roller 10 with a second roller |34which is adapted to cooperate with a cam |35 coaxially mounted with thecams |01 and I|5 on the shaft The cam |35 is provided with a highportion indicated at |36 and a low portion indicated at |31, and whenthe roller |34 moves from the low portion to the high portion, it isreciprocated within the guides |32 and |33 to move the roller 10 andthrough the roller the lever 68 and the jaw opening cams.

Referring to Figs. 3 and 9, it will be seen that the sprocket wheel 2|which meshes with and drives the conveyor chain I3 is rotatably mountedon a shaft |38 which is carried by the journals |39 and |40, formedintegrally with -the Abracket |4I, suitably bolted or otherwise fastenedto a portion of the machine. frame I0. Also mounted on the shaft |38 torotate therewith is a ratchet Wheel |42, provided with the ratchet teeth|43. Also mounted on the frame I0, as shown in Fig. 9, is a pair ofalined supporting brackets |44 and |45, having alined central openingsadapted to receive a pawl member |46. The -pawl member |46 is providedwith an upwardly extending arm |41, a forwardly extending pawl proper|48, and a head |49 which is located at its rearward extremity. Coiledabout the pawl member |46 between the bracket |45 and the head |49 is aspring |50 which is adapted to maintain the pawl member in its retractedor rearward position. The arm |41 of the `pawl A member extends upwardlyin alinement with a cam I5|, which is mounted on the shaft I0 to rotatewith the shaft and the cam |06, as shown in Fig. 3. 'I'he cam I5I isprovided with a single tooth or projection |52 and once during eachrevol-ution ofthe ycam 'I5I the tooth |52 comes in v`contact with theupwardly extending arm |41 and moves the arm to the right. as shown inFig. 3, similarly moving the pawl member |46 and the pawl |48. At eachof these movements, the ratchet wheel |42 is moved a single tooth tocorrespondingly move the shaft |38 and the sprocket wheel 2|. The cam,pawl, ratchet wheel and sprocket wheel are so proportioned that theconveyor chain I3 will be moved a distance corresponding to the width ofa single plate I2, and each of these movements will, therefore, bringinto alinement a new row of springs and corin detail.

responding parts, as will hereinafter be set forth tionary bracket |10.

tends to move the .bushing member |65 and the less conventionalconstruction. These coiling devices are adapted to coil the tie helixes29 and 48 from straight wire of .any suitable gauge, and are indicatedin general in Figs. 2 and '1 by the reference numerals |53 and |54. Itwill be understood that each of the coilers |53 and |54 wheny operatingis adapted to turn out and rotate the helical tie members 48v and 29, asshown in Fig. `'1. 'I'he helical tie member 48 is fed from the coiler v|53 through the opening |55 in the cutting block, and the opening |24 inthe knife |22, through the circular opening 41 in the upper guide, andthen between the jaws 43 and 44 and around the proximate portions of thespiral springs successively the entire` width of the'machine. Similarly,the helicalA tie member 29 is fed through the opening |56 in the cuttingblock |26 and the opening |25 in the knife |22, through the stationaryguide openings 28 formed by the guide members on adjacent edges of theplate I2, and then through the opening between the jaws 33 and 34 andaroun-d successive proximate portions of the spiral springs. A helixthus threaded through guide portions and openings is shown in Figs. andll, previously described. The operation of the coilers is controlled bya cam |51, provided with a low portion |58 and a raised portion |59, and-geared to rotate with the cams .previously described. Bearing on thecam surface is a roller |60 carried by the end of a lever arm |6|,suitably pivoted at |62, as shown.

in Fig. 1. The end of the lever arm |6|, remote from the roller |60,carries a pin |63 which is adapted to fit between a pair of rotatablebushing members |68 and |65. The bushing members |64 and |65 are mountedto rotate with one of the plates |66 of a clutch indicated in general at|61. Bearing on one falce of the bushing member |65 is a spring |68which bears at its other end on -a journal |69 carried by a sta- Thespring |68 normally clutch plate |66 upwardly,as shown in Fig. 1, andtothe right as shown in Fig. 4. The spring |68 Vthus has the dualfunction of maintaining the clutch in engagement and rotating the 1ever|6| in a counterclockwise direction, as seen in Fig. l, so as tomaintain the roller |60 in firm contact with the surface of the cam |51.

As shown in Fig. 1, the clutch is disengaged, which is the normalposition of the clutch when the roller |60 is in contact with theelevated surface |59 of the cam |51. When the roller |60 movesdownwardly on the cam |51 to engage the lowermost portion of the ca-msurface |58, the

|82K carry at their forward ends the feeding wheels |83 and |84 for thelowermost helical feed which has been previously indicated in general bythe reference numeral |54'in Fig. 7. The shaft |82 also carries a gearwheel |85, which `drives the gear wheel |86 carried by the shaft |81.The shaft |81 drives by means of the gear,

|88 still another gear |89 on the shaft |90. The forward ends of theshafts |81 and |90 carrying the two feeding wheels |9| and |92,respectively, for a second coiling and feeding mechanism for the upperhelical, this, coiling and feeding mechanism being indicated ingeneral'by the reference numeral |53 in Figa'l.

- Means are also provided in the spring assem' bling mechanism ofthepresent invention to remove the spring assembly from .the conveyorplates l2. As shown in Figs. 1 and'3, this mechanism includes aplurality of rods |93, suitably supported by a bracket |94. Each ofthese rods is provided with a bifurcated end |95 which is adapted tocontact each of the tied springs passing off the conveyor and lift thesame against lever |6| is moved in a 'counterclockwise direction 'andthe clutch plate |66 is moved upwardly to engage the complementaryclutch plate |1|. The engagement of the clutch plates |66 and |1| willrotate the bushing members |64 and |65, to-

' gether with the shaft |12 upon which these bushor journal|69,vpreviously described. The pin' ion |13 drives the gear wheel |16fixed on the shaft |11, mounted forV rotation in the bearings |18 and|19. Also fixed on the shaft |11 is the gear the action of .thepositioning springs 39 and 43.`

This is rendered possiblepas shown in Figs. 3 and 14, by the opening ofthe guide members 26 on passage of the' conveyor chain and plates l2over the wheel 20, the opening of the guide members 26 thus permittingthe disengagement of the ,tie helix from between the. guide members andthe bOIe 28'. The entire machine thus described isdrive from a driveshaft |96, provided with a driving pinion |91, as shown in Fig. 1. Thepinion |91 drives the gearwhee1 |98 which has fixed thereto a pinion |99adapted to carry the clutch plate |1|,

previously described. The pinion |99 in addition to driving the clutchalso drives a gear Wheel 200, fixed on the shaft 20|, which is suitablycarried by the bracket |10. 20| has fixed thereon a Worm 202 which inturn meshes withl and drives a worm wheel 203 fixedon'cthe shaft 204,which also carries the clutch operating cam |51, previously described.-Also carried on the shaft 204 is a gear 205, indicated in dotted linesin Fig. 1. The gear 205 meshes with the gear 206, fixedly carried on theshaft 281. The shaft 201 in .turn carries at each of its endsbeveledgears 208 and 209, as shown in Fig. 4. The gears 208 and 209 mesh withsimilar beveled gears 2 0 and 2| l, respectively, carried on the shaftsand 0. As previouslyvdescribed and shown in Fig. 16, the shaft carriesand operates the cams |01, |35 and ||5, the cam |01 being adapted toraise and lower the cross head 60 for the upper jaws 43 and 44 throughthe medium of the lever 91 and the roller |05. The cam I 35 is adaptedto operate the' turning bar or cam 66 for.' closing the jaws by means ofthe push rod |3| and the L-shaped lever 68, as prevoiuslj1 described.The cam ||5 operates the knife |22 through the roller ||1 and the leverH8. The

, shaft ||0 which, as previously described, is also wheel |80which inturn drives the gear wheel |8| fixed 0n the shaft |82. The shafts |11and driven by the shaft 201 through the beveled gear 209 and the gear 2|is adapted to operate the cross head 82 which carries the lower members33 and 34, the cross head 82 being operated from the cam los by theicvcr ss and the rcncr um. 'The timing of the various operations of thedevice is shown diagrammatically in Fig. 1'1, wherein the curve 2 |2illustrates the motion of the conveyor; the curve -2|3 the vretractingvmovement-of the jaws; the curve 2 I4 the opening movement of the jaws;`the curve 2I5 the cutting movement of the knife; and the curve 2|6 thehelix feed.

TheA rear end of ,the shaft Referring to Fig. 17, it win be noticed thatthe high portion of these curves corresponds in sponds to the highportion of the cam ||5.' 'I'he high portion 2 I9 of .the curve 2|4corresponds to the low portion |31 of the cam |35, and the high portion220 of the curve 2|3 corresponds to thel low portion of the cam |01. Themovement of the conveyor, as exemplified by the curve 2|2, does not,strictly speaking, correspond to the actuating portion |52 of the cam|5|, inasmuch as the action of this actuating portion resembles that ofa simple finger or pushing mechanism for the pawl |48 which serves tomove the conveyor for a definite distance and time period, correspondingto a single plate I2. The period of movementof the conveyor isillustrated in the curve 2|2 by the high portion 22|, and the period ofrest of the conveyor by the low portions 222.

The operation of the-spring assembly mechanism, according to the presentinvention, is as follows: the rotation of the drive shaft |95 drives theconveyor mechanism through the driving linkage, including the pinion|91, gear wheel |38, pinion |99, gear wheel 200, worm 202, worm wheel203, gear wheelv 205, gear wheel 205, beveled gear 209, beveled gear 2|shaft H0, cam |5|, finger |41, pawl |48, ratchet |43, and sprocket wheel2|. The action of the various gears just hereinbefore described, andproportioning thereof, is such that the conveyor is driven for a denniteperiod of time, as shown in Fig. 17, corresponding to approximately 60.This takes place shortly after the movement of the knife |22, as shownby the high portion 2|8 of the curve 2|5, vthe action of the knifeterminating a preceding .tying cycle of the helix and spiral springs. Itis to be understood that the spiral springs are' continuously fed to thesuccessive rows and positioned by means of the pegs 49 on the left handportion of the machine, as shown in Fig. 3, and .that when positionedthese springs are temporarily held in place by spring lingers such asthe spring lingers 33 and 48 shown in detail in Figs. 11 and 12. At thetime that .the conveyor has moved to bring a new row of springs' intoposition, the upper and lower jaw members 33-34` and 43-44I which havebeen in retracted position (corresponding to .the high portion 220 ofthe curve 2|3) are moved toward the conveyor plates |2. At this time,the jaws are also open, as shown-by the high portion 2|9 of the curve2I4. It is desired to point out that the cams which move the jaws,namely the cams |01 and |05 are driven from the shafts and ||0, and thatthe shaft ||0 is driven as described in connection with the movement ofthe cam |52. Similarly, the cam is correspondingly driven at preciselythe same speed by the corresponding beveled lgears 208 and 2|0 whichserve to drive the shaft I I.

After the movement of the conveyor, therefore, has been effected toplace a new roll of spiral springs in alnement with the coilers |53 and|54, the upper jaws are lowered and the lower jaws are moved upwardlyuntil the lower .iaw members pass through the openings 32 and surroundthe proximate portions of the springs 35 and 38. During this movement,the jaws are in open position, as shown in Fig. 5. Similarly, the upperjaws 43 and 44 are moved into position around and 35. When the upperjaws are moved into position, the guide members between the upper jawsare moved into alinement with the proximate upper portions of thesprings. The cam |35 which is carried on the upper shaft ||I is thenmoved 'to close the jaws, the closure being maintained throughout thelow portion of the curve 2|4. As before described, the closure of thesejaws is effected through the cooperation of the push rod |3| and theroller |34 with the cam |35. Movement of this push rod rotates the cammembers 55 to close the upper jaws 43-44 and the guides carried thereby,and at th same time to close the lower` jaws 33 and 34 about theproximate portions of the springs 35 and 35. It is to be understood, asshown in Figs. 1 and 2, that this jaw movement takes place transverselyacross the entire row of springs. After the jaws have been closed, theclutch cam |51 brings together the clutch plates |55 and |51, so thatthe coilers are driven for approximately 180 or, as shown in Fig. 1'1,during the period corresponding to the time between the 180 mark and the360 mark, the movement of the knife being accepted as the zero degreepoint. The closure of the clutch plates, as previously pointed out,drives the coilers through the linkage, includ ing the clutch plate |51,gear |15, shaft |11, and the gear train, including the gears |8|, |85,|85, |88 and |89. It is to'be notedth-at the upper coiler is driven inan opposite direction, -as compared to the lower coiler. The gears areso proportioned that the speed of movement of the helixes 23 and 48rotating out of the coilers, is sufficient to completely encircle all ofthe proximate portions of the springs across the entire transversedistance of the conveyor.

As previously pointed out, the lower helix 28 lis fed through the guidebores 28 and the jaws 33 and 34, fed through the guide bores 41 andbetween the jaw members 43 and 44. After the movement of the helix iscomplete to tie an entire row o1' springs to a preceding row, the highportion of the cam ||5 raises the roller ||1, as shown for example inFig. 16, and through the roller II1 and the lever cuts both the upperand lower helix, thus starting a new cycle of operation, as previouslydescribed.

In Fig. 18, a modied upper guide member is shown, provided with helicalgrooves 223 both in the guide member 45 and jaw 43, although onlyone-half of the jaw and guide member is here shown. It is to beunderstood that the other jaw and guide member are also provided withthis type of helical groove. Although this arrangement will facilitatethe winding of the rotating helix around the proximate portions of thespring, it is.to be understood that this type of construction is notessential, and that suiilci'ent space is ordinarily left in the ordinaryjaw mem'- bers and guide to allow the helix to pass through the same andtie springs.v

In Fig. 19, the jaws are shown applied to a conventional type of oiIsetspring, the two proximate offset portions beingindicated by thereference numerius zu and 22s. It is to be understood that the device ofthe present invention may be applied to the offset type of spring or anyother suitable type of spring construction without substantialmodication.

In Fig. 20 a novel form in general by the refthe proximate upperportions of the springs 35 75 erence numeral 225. This coiler includes acenthe shaft |12, gear |13,

and the upper helix tie member 48 is ||8 actuates the knife |22 whichthe proximate portions o! the" permits this rotationconsists of a raceindicated at 232, provided with the balls 233. The balls areheld inposition within the race by the cover plate 234 which, as shown, isbolted as by bolts 235 to the support mount or standard 236 which v isin turn xed to an immovable portion of the machine frame not shown. Thesupport mount 236 carries the support proper 231, which is provided witha bearing or collar 238 adapted to turnably surround both the xed jacket230 and the movable jacket or bushing 23|. It is desired to point outthat by dividing the surrounding bushing for the shaft 221 intotwo'parts and by making the bushing 23| movable, the coiler as describeddoes away with undue wear of the jacket member surrounding the spiralportion of the groove. As will be understood, in the conventionalmachines of this character, the wire is threaded through the groove 228yas by wheels of the character shown in connection with the coilerspreviously described, these wheels being indicated by the referencenumerals |83, |84, |92 and ISI. In the conventional type of coiler,however, the bushing 23| is not provided with a ball bearing, and is xedrelative to the rod 221. When the wire is threaded through the helicalgroove 229, therefore, the friction between the wire and the internalbore of the bushing 23| in time wears this bushing and preventssatisfactory operation of the collar. By providing a separate bushing23E for this portion of the rod 221, the jacket or bushing moves withthe wire and undue wear is prevented.

It may thus be seen that by proceeding in accordance with the presentdisclosure, thereis provided a spring assembling machine including aconveyor capable of supporting a plurality of transversely extendingrows of spiral springs so that portions of springs in one row arepositioned in proximity to corresponding portions of`springs in a secondrow. In addition, it will be seen that means are provided in accordancewith the prese ent invention to periodically move a tie member aroundthe proximate portions of the springs to complete a spring assembly. Theconveyor in accordance with the present invention is accurately timed`and moved to bring a .new setof springs into alinement with the helicaltie member, and the helical tie member is cut intime to permit thismovement of the conveyor and Arows of springs. Although the device hasbeen described prin- '..cipally in connection with conventional spiralsprings capable of being assembled into the conventional innerspringunit for mattresses, cushions and the like, it is to be understood thatthe principles here disclosed are equally applicable i'to all types ofspring constructions whether the "springs have the conventional spiralshape or Isome other shape.

What is claimed is:

1. In a spring assembling machine, a conveyor member, means on saidconveyor member for supporting a plurality of transversely extendingrows of spiral springs so that portions of springs in one row arepositioned in proximity to corresponding portions of springsvv in asecond row, means to periodically move a spring tie member memberthroughsaidaforementioned 'guide in a fixed path transversely of said conveyorand around the proximate portions of said springs to tie the same, andmeans to intermittently move said conveyor member to bring a new row oiSprings into alinement with the path of movement of said spring tiemember.

2. In a spring assembling machine, a conveyor member, means on saidconveyor member for supporting a plurality of transversely extendingrows oi spiral springs4 so that portions of springs in one row arepositioned in proximity to corresponding portions of springs in a secondrow, a helical tie member guide on'said conveyor member in alinementwith the proximate portions of said springs, means to periodically movea helical tie member through said guide member and transversely oi saidconveyor around the proximate portions of said springs to tie the same,and means to move said conveyor member intermittently to bring a new rowof springs, and a second helical tie member guide means into alinementwith the nean's to move the helical tie member.

3. In a spring assembling machine, a conveyor member, means to move saidconveyor member for a definite period, means to arrest `the movement ofsaid conveyor member for a second deflnite period, means on saidconveyor member for supporting a plurality of transversely'extendingrows of spiral springs so that portions of the springs in one row arepositioned in proximity to corresponding portions of springs in a secondrow, means to'move a helical spring tie member around the proximateportions of said springs to tie the same during the period of rest ofsaid conveyor, and means to cut the helical tie member prior to a newperiod of movement ofsaid conveyor.

4. In a spring assembling machine, a conveyor member, means to move saidconveyor member for a definite period, means to arrest the movement ofsaid conveyor member for a second definite period, means onk saidAconveyor `member for supporting a plurality of transversely extendingrows of spiral springs so that portions of the'springs in one row are-positioned in proximity-to corresponding portions of springs ina secondrow,

means to move a helical spring tie'member in a f iixed path transverselyof said conveyor and around the proxi'mate portions of said springs totie the sameduring the period of re'st of said conveyor, means to cutthe helical tie member prior to a new period of movement'of said con,

supporting a plurality of transversely extending 1 rows ofY spiralsprings so' that portions of the springs in one row are positioned inproximity to corresponding portions of springs in a second row, means tomove a guide member for a helical spring tie` member transversely ofsaid conveyor and into alinement with proximate portions of said springsduring the period of rest of said conveyor, and means to move a helicalspringtie member and around the proximate portions of said springs totie the same during the period of rest of said conveyor and after themovement of the guide member. y

6. In a spring assembling machine, a conveyor member, means to move saidconveyor member for a deiinite period, means to arrest the movement ofsaid conveyor member for a second deiinite period, means on saidconveyor member for supporting a plurality of transversely extendingrows ofspiral springs so that portions of the springs in one row arepositioned in proximity to corresponding portions of springs in a secondrow, means to move a helical spring tie member in a iixed pathtransversely of said conveyor and around the proximate portions of saidsprings to tie the same during the period of rest of said conveyor,means to cut the helical tie member prior to a new period of movement ofsaid conveyor, means to move clamping members about the proximateportions of said springs during the period of rest of said conveyor soas to hold the proximate portions of said springs together while beingtied by said helical tie member, and means to close said jaws on theproximate portions of said springs prior to the movement of said helicalspring tie member.

A 7.. In a spring assembling machine, a conveyor andere member includinga series of linked plates, means member, means on said conveyor memberfor supporting a plurality of transversely extending rows of spiralsprings so that portions of springs in one row are positioned inproximity to corresponding portions of springs in a second row, means toperiodically move a spring tie member in a iixed path transversely ofsaid conveyor and around the proximate portions of said springs to tiethe same, means to intermittently move said conveyor member to bring anew row of springs into alinement with the path of moveon each of saidplates to support a row of spiral springs so that'portionsv of springsin one row are positioned in proximity to corresponding portions ofsprings in a' second row, cooperating means on the adjacent edges of'said plates for guiding a spring tie member transversely of saidconveyor, means to move said spring tie member through said cooperatingguiding means and around the proximate portions of said springs to tiethe same, means to intermittently move said conveyor member to bring anew row of plates and cooperating means into alinement with the path ofmovement of said spring tie member, and means to move one plate relativeto the next plate so as to open said cooperating guiding means andpermit the removal of said tie member therefrom.

l2.' In a spring assembling machine, a conveyor member including aseries of linked plates,

' means on the edge of said plates to position ment of said spring tiemember, spring means l to retain said spiral springs on said conveyorand means to strip the assembled springs from said conveyor.

8. In a spring conveying and assembling mechanism a movable conveyormember including a series of linked plates movable therewith, means oneach of said plates to support a spiral spring and cooperating means on`the adjacent edges of said plates for guiding a spring .tie member.

`9. In a spring assembling machine, a conveyor member including a seriesof linked plates, means on each of said plates to support a row ofspiral springs so that portions of springs in one row are positioned inproximity to corresponding portions of springs in a second row,cooperating means on the adjacent edges of said plates for guiding aspring tie member transversely of said conveyor, means to move saidspring tie member through said cooperating guiding means and' around theproximate portions of said springs to tie the same, and means tointermittently move said conveyor member to bring a new row of platesand cooperating means into alinement with the path offmovement of saidspring tie member.

10. In a spring assembling machine, a conveyor member including a seriesof linked plates, means on the edge of each of said plates to position arow of spiralsprings so that portions of springs 1n one row arepositioned in proximity to corresponding portions of springs in a secondrow, cooperating means on the adjacent edges of said plates insuccessive rows, each of said means having a semi-circular form 'so asto constitute a circular bore for guiding a helical spring tie a row ofspiral springs so that portions of springs in one row are positioned inproximity to corresponding portions of springs in a second row,cooperating means on the adjacent edges of said plates in successiverows, `each of said means having a semi-circular form so as toconstitute a circular bore for guidinga helical spring tie membertransversely oi' said conveyor and around the proximate portions 4ofsaid springs to tie the same, means to move a helical spring tie memberthrough the circular bore of the guiding means and around the proximateportions of said springs to tie the same,means to intermittently movesaid conveyor member to bring a new row of plates and cooperating meansinto alinement with the path of movement of said helical spring tiemember and means to move one plate relative to another lto open' the twohalves of said bore in order to permit removal of said tie vmembertherefrom.

13. In a spring conveying and assembling mechanism, a conveyor memberincluding a series of linked plates, means on each `of said plates tosupport a row of spiral springs with portions of springs in one row inproximity to opposed portions of springs in another row, each of saidplates having opposed channels in adjacent edges thereof to form anopening intermediate the plates and adjacent the proximate portions ofsaid springs and jaw members positioned to moveV plates and adjacent thelproximate portions of said springs, jaw members positioned to movethrough said opening to clamp the proximate portions of sad spiralportions of said spiral springs, and cooperating means on the adjacentedges of said plates for guiding a helical'tie member through said 'jawm'embers and aroundv the proximate portions of said spiral springs.

15. In a spring conveying and assembling mechanism, a conveyor memberincluding a series of linked plates, means on each of said plates tosupport a row of spiral springs with portions of springs in one row inproximity to opposed portions of springs in another row, each of saidplates having opposed channels in adjacent edges thereof to form anopening intermediate the plates and adjacent the proximate portions ofsaid springs and jaw-members positioned to move through said opening toclamp proximate portions of said spiral springs and semi-circularguiding members on opposed adjacent edges of said plates adapted to forma circular bore for guiding a helical tie member about the proximatesprings.

16. In a spring assembling machine, a conveyor member including a seriesof linked plates, means on each of said plates to support a row ofspiral springs so that portions of springs in one row are positioned inproximity to corresponding portions of springs in-a second row,semi-circular guiding members on the adjacent edges of said plates`adapted to form a circular bore for guiding a helical tie member aroundthe proximate portions of said springs, opposed channel portions inadjacentedge of each of said plates adapted to form an opening adjacentsaid proximate spring portions, a jaw member positioned to move throughsaid opening to clamp said proximate portions of said spiral springs,means to move said helical said bore, means to close said jaws to clampsaid proximate portions prior to the movement of said helical tie memberand means to intermittently move said conveyor member to bring a new rowof plates into alinement with the path of movement of said helical tiemember and said jaws.

17. In a spring' assembling machine, a conveyor member, means to movesaid conveyor member for a definite period, means to arrest the movementof said conveyor member for a second definite period, means member fo'rsupporting a plurality of transversely extending rows of spiral springs.so that portions of the springs in one row are positioned in proximity tcorresponding portions of springs in a second row, means to guide ahelical spring tie member about the proximate portions of Said spiralsprings, means to move said helical tie member through clamp theproximate portions of said spiral springsvand retain the same togetherprior to the movement of the helical tie member, means to cut thehelical tie member prior to a new period of movement of said conveyorand means to remove said helical member froin said guide means.

18. In a spring assembling machine, a conveyor member, means t0 movesaid conveyor member for a definite period, means to arrest the movementof said conveyor member for a second definite period, means on saidconveyor member for supporting a plurality of transversely extendingrows of spiral springs, so that a portion of the upper and lower ends ofsaid springs in one row are positioned in proximity to correspondingportions o'f springs in a second ro means to move a pair of helicalspring tie members in a pair or ixed paths transversely of saidconveyorand in alinement with the top and bottom proximate tie memberthrough' on said conveyor v said guide means, means to portions 0f saidsprings to tie the same during the period of rest of said conveyor,means to cut the helical tie members prior to a new period of movementof said conveyor and means to move clamping jaws about the upper and`lower proximate portions of said springs during the period of rest ofsaid conveyor and prior to the movement of the tie members so as mateportions of said springs together while being tied by the helical tiemembers.

19. In a spring assemblingmachine, a conveyor member, means to move said-conveyor member -for a denite period, means to arrest movement of saidconveyormember for av second definite period, means on said conveyormember for supporting a plurality of transversely extending rows ofspiral springs so that a portion of the upper and'lower ends of saidsprings in one row are positioned in proximity to corresponding portionsof springs in a second row, means to move a Ipair pf helical' spring tiemembers transversely of said conveyor the topl and bottom proximateportions of said springs to tie the same during the period of rest ofsaidj conveyorl andv means to move a guide means for the upper helicalspring tie member into alinement with the proximate upper portions ofsaid springs prior to the movement of said helical spring tie members. J

20. In a spring assembling machine, a conveyor member, means to movesaid conveyor member for a deiinite period, means to arrest movement ofsaid conveyor member for a second de- -nite period, means on saidconveyor member for supporting a plurality of transversely extendingrows of spiral springs so that a portion of the .upper and lower ends ofthe springs in one row are positioned in proximity to correspondingportions of the springs in av second row, means to move a pairv ofhelical spring tie members transversely of said conveyor and inalinement with the topand bottom proximate portions of said springs totiey the same during the period of -rest of said conveyor, means to moveaguide means for the upper helical spring tiek member into alinementwith the proximate upper portions of said springs prior to the movementof said helical spring tie member, a second guide means carried by saidconveyor member for guiding the lower helical tie member and means tocut both helical tie members prior to a new period of movement of saidconveyor.

21. In a spring assembling machine, a conveyor member, means to movesaid conveyor member for a definite period, means to arrest movement ofsaid conveyor member for a second definite period, means on saidconveyor member for supporting a plurality of transversely extend- Y ingrows of spiral springs so that; a portion of cal tie members prior to anew period of move-- the upper and lower ends ofr said springs in onerow are positioned in proximity to corresponding portions of springs ina second row,means to move a pair of helical spring tie memberstransversely of said conveyor and in alinement with the top and bottomproximate portions of said springs to tie the same during the period ofrest of said conveyor, means to move a guide means for lthe upperhelical spring tie member into alinement with the proximate upperportionsj of said springs prior to the movement of said helical springtie member, a second guide means carried by said conveyor member forguiding the lower helical tie member, means to cut both heliment of said'conveyor and a pair of jaw memto hold the proxiand in alinement withbers adapted to clamp the upper proximate portions of said springs andmovable with said upper guide member.

22. In a spring assembling machine, a conveyor member, means to movesaid conveyor member for a deiiniter period, means to arrest movement ofsaid conveyor member for a second denite period; means on said conveyormember for supporting a plurality of transversely extending rows ofspiral springs so that a portion of the upper and lower ends of saidsprings in one row are positioned in proximity to corresponding portionsof springs in a second row, means to move a pair of helical spring tiemembers .transversely of said conveyor and in alignment with the top andbottom proximate portions o1' said springs to tie the same during theperiod of rest of said conveyor, means to move a guide means for theupper helical spring tie member into alinement with the .proximate upperportions of said springs prior to the movement of said helical springtie member, a -second guide means carried by said conveyor member forguiding the lower helical tie member, means to cut both helical tiemembers prior to a new period of movement of said conveyor, and a pairof jaws each adapted to respectively clamp the upper and lower proximateportions of said springs, said upper jaw being movable with said movableguide member and said lower jaw being simu1 taneously movable through anopening in said conveyor member adjacent the lower proximate portions ofsaid springs. A 23. In a spring assembling machine including means tosupport a plurality of spring members with portions thereof in closeproximity, a guiding and clamping member including a pair of movablejaws adapted to grasp proximate portions of adjacent springs and retainthe same together, and a pair of guide members spaced from the rstmentioned jaws movable therewith, and adapted to guide a helical tiemember through said rst mentioned jaws and about :the proximate portionsof said springs each of said guide members and jaw members having asemicircular bore so as to completely surround the helical tie memberwhen guiding the same. 24.'In a spring assembling machine, a conveyormember including a series oi' linked plates, means on each of saidplates tosupport a row of spiral springs so that portions of springs inone row are positioned in proximity to corresponding portions of springsin a second rom-guide means on adjacent edges ofsaid plates adapted toforma guide bore tor a helical tie member, said guide means extendingabove the surface of said plates and having cutaway portions conformingto the periphery of said springs and positioned to aline said springswith said guide bore to thereby guide a helical tie member about theproximate portions of said springs when said tie member is moved throughsaid bore.

25. In a spring assembling machine, a conveyor member, including aseries or linked plates, means on eachl of said plates to support a rowof ,.I-spiral springs so that portions of springs in .one

row are positioned in proximity to corresponding portions of springs ina second row, guide -means on adjacent edges of said plates adapted toform a guide bore for a helical tie member, said guide means extendingabove the surface of said platesand having cutaway portions conformingto the periphery of said springs and positioned to aline said springswith said guide bore to thereby guide -a helical tie member about theproximate portions of said springs when said tie member is moved throughsaid bore, said plates having a plurality of openings adjacent theproximate portions of said springs and a plurality of jaw membersadapted to pass through said openings to grasp the proximate portions ofsaid springs and maintain the same in alinement with said guide bore.

26. In a spring assembling machine, a conveyor member, means to movesaid conveyor member for a deiinite period, means toarrest the movementof said conveyor member for a second definite period, means on saidconveyor member for supporting a plurality of transversely extendingrows of spiral springs so that portions of the springs in one row arepositioned in proximity to corresponding portions of springs in a secondrow, means to move a helical spring tie member in a xed pathtransversely of said conveyor and around the proximate portions of saidsprings to tie the same during the period of rest of said conveyor,means to move clamping members about the proximate portions of saidsprings during :the period of rest of said conveyor so as to holdproximate portions together while being tied by said helical tie member,spring means for retaining said jaws in open position and means to closesaid jaws on the proximate portions of said springs prior to themovement of said helical spring tie member.

27. In` a spring conveying and assembling mechanism, a movable conveyormember including a series of linked plates movable therewith, means oneach of said plates to support a row of spiral springs with portions ofthe springs in one rowy in proximity to opposed portions of springs inanother row and spring means adapted to retain said spiral springs onsaid plates so that a plurality of springs may be positioned andretained prior to a tying operation.

28. In a spring assembling machine a conveyor member including a seriesof linked plates,

y means on each of said plates to support a row oi and having cutawayportions conforming to the' periphery of said springs and positioned toaline said springs with said guide bore to thereby guide a helical tiemember about the proximate portions of said springs when said tie memberis moved through said bore and spring means adapted to retain saidspiral springs on said plates.

29. In a spring conveyingv and assembling mechanism, a conveyor memberincluding a series ot linked plates, means on each of said plates tosupport a plurality of spiral springs with portions of the springs onone plate in proximity to opposed portions of springs on another plate,guiding means on each oi'- said plates to assist in positioning thespiral springs thereon and an additional linked plate free from saidguiding means and adapted to mark the end of a spring assembly.

30. In .a spring assembling machine, a conveyor member, means to movesaid conveyor member for a deniteperiod, means to arrest movement ofsaid conveyor member for a second definite period, means on saidconveyor member for supporting a plurality of transversely extendingrows of spiral springs so that a portion of the upper and lower ends ofsaid'springs inone row are positioned in proximity to correspondingportions of springs in a second row, means to move a pair of helicalspring tie members transversely of said conveyor-fand in alinement withthe .top and bottom proximate portions of said springs to tie the sameduring the period of rest of said conveyor, means to move a guide meansfor the upper helical spring tie member into alinement with theproximate upper portions of said springs prior to the movement ofsaidhelical spring -tie members and means toopen said upper helicalguide means prior to a new period of movement of said conveyor member.

31. In a spring assembling machine, a conveyor member, means to movesaid conveyor member for a definite period, means to arrest Y movementof said conveyor member for a second deilnite period, means on saidconveyor member for supporting a plurality of transversely extendingrows of spiral springs so that a portion of the upper and lower ends ofthe springs in one row are positioned in proximity to correspondingportions of the springs in a second row, means to move a pair of helicalspring tie members transversely of said conveyor and inalinement withthe top and bottom proximate portions of said springs to tie the sameduring the period of rest of said conveyor, meansto move a guide meansfor the upper helical spring tie `vmember into alinement with theproximate upper portions of said springs prior to the movement of saidhelical spring tie member, a second guide means carried by said conveyormember for guiding the lower helical tie member, means to cut bothhelical tie members prior-.to a new period of movement of said conveyor,means to open said upper helical guide, means prior to a new period ofmovement of said conveyor member and means to open said lower helicalguide means to release said lower helical tie member and springassembly.

32. In a spring assembling machine, a conveyor member, means to movesaid conveyor member for a denite period, means to arrest movement ofsaid conveyor member for a second denite period, means on said conveyormember for supporting a pluralityof transversely extending rows ofvspiral springs so that a portion of the upper and lower ends of thesprings in one row are positioned in proximity to corresponding portionsof the springs in a second row, means to move a pair of helical springtie members transversely of said conveyor and in alinement with the topand bottom proximate portions of said springs to tie the same during theperiod of rest of said conveyor, means to move a guide means for theupper helical spring tie member into alinement with the proximate upperportions of said springs prior to the movement of said helical springtie member, a second guide ymeans carried by said conveyor member forguiding the lower helical tie member, means to cut both "helical tiemembers prior to a new period of movement of said conveyor, means toopen said upper helical guide means prior to a new period of movement ofsaid conveyor memmovement of said conveyor'member fora Isecond definiteperiod,l means on said conveyor member for supporting a plurality oftransversely extending rowsof spiral springs so that portions of thesprings in one' row are positioned in proximity to correspondingportions of springs in a second row,I means 'to'mo've a lf'ielicalyspring tie member in'a xed path transversely of 4said conveyor andaround the proximate portions of said springs to tie the same during theperiod of rest of said conveyor, means to cut the helical tie memberprior to a new period of movement of said conveyor, means to moveclamping members about the proximate portions of said springs during theperiod of rest of said conveyor so as to hold the proximate portions ofsaid springs to gether while .being tied by said helical tie member,means to close said members on the proximate portions of said springsprior to the movement of said helical spring tie member and meanscarried by said cutting means to open said jaws.

34. In a spring assembling machine, a conveyor member, means on saidconveyor member for supporting and positioning a plurality of spiralsprings so that a plurality of the end coils of said springs are alignedin transverse rows relative to said conveyor with portions of thesprings in .fone row positioned relatively closely to portions of thevsprings in the next row, as compared -to the individual springs in `eachrow, means to move s'aid conveyor so that each of said rowsis movedlongitudinally of said machinein a series of steps and means toperiodically feed a tie member between the closely positioned portionsof said springs in each adjacent row, said last-mentioned means beingoperative between each stepped movement of said.

relative to said conveyor with portions of the springs in one rowpositioned relatively closely to portions of the springs in the nextrow, as compared to the individual springs in each row, means to movesaid conveyor so that each of said rows is moved longitudinally of saidmachine in a series of steps, means to periodically feed a tie memberbetween the closely positioned portions of said springs in each adjacentrow,

- and means to cut said tie member after the same ber, means to opensaid lower helical guide means to release said lower helical `tie memberand spring assembly and means to vstrip said spring 33'. In a springassembling machine, a conguide means have been opened.

veyor member, means to move said conveyor member for a definite period,means to arrest the is fed between said springs, said feeding andcutting means being operative between each stepped movement of saidconveyor.

36. In a spring conveying and assembling mechanism, series oflinked'conveyor plates, means on each of said plates to support a spiralspring, cooperating means on the adjacent edges of said plates forguiding a spring tie member, and means to move said plates relative toone another to separate said cooperating means.

37. Ina spring assembling machine, a series of conveyor members adaptedto support and position a plurality of spiral springs, means to movesaid conveyor members for a definite period, means to arrest themovement of said conveyor members for a second definite period,means tofeed a tie member between adjacent portions of the springs during theperiod of rest of said con.-

veyor members, a plurality of tie member guides v adapted to receive andguide said tie members,

a conveyor member including a said guides having cooperating portions onadjacent 'conveyor members, and means .to separate said cooperatingportions liso permit removal of said tie members during `a period of-move 'ment of said conveyor members subsequent to the feeding of saidtie members;

38. In a spring' assembling machine, a conveyor member including avseries of linked plates,

means on each of said plates to support a row of spiral springs sothatiportions, ofthe springs l0 -in one row are positioned in proximityto corremit the removal of said tie member therefrom. 4

JOSEPH SAVAL.

